Introduction
Craving the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia? Look no further than Englewood, New Jersey, where a delightful array of Thai restaurants awaits, ready to transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Bangkok. From fragrant curries to tantalizing noodle dishes, Englewood offers a surprising wealth of authentic and innovative Thai cuisine. This guide will lead you on a culinary journey through the city’s best Thai establishments, highlighting signature dishes and hidden gems, ensuring your next meal is an unforgettable experience.
Englewood, a charming city nestled in Bergen County, is known for its diverse community and vibrant food scene. While it might not be the first place that springs to mind when considering Thai food destinations, Englewood boasts several restaurants that serve up truly exceptional and authentic Thai fare, rivalling some of the best that New York City has to offer.
The appeal of Thai Food, a symphony of flavors
Thai cuisine is celebrated globally for its exquisite balance of five fundamental tastes: sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and bitter. This harmonious blend creates a complex and intensely satisfying dining experience. The use of fresh, aromatic ingredients is paramount, with staples like galangal (a relative of ginger with a citrusy, earthy aroma), lemongrass, fiery chilies, pungent fish sauce, and creamy coconut milk forming the backbone of many dishes.
The cuisine is more than just a collection of ingredients; it’s a culinary art form that reflects Thailand’s rich cultural heritage. From the northern influences of Burmese and Laotian cooking to the southern flavors shaped by Malaysian and Indonesian traditions, Thai food offers a diverse range of regional specialties.
One of the reasons for the enduring popularity of Thai food lies in its health benefits. Many dishes are packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices known for their medicinal properties. Moreover, Thai cuisine readily accommodates vegetarian and vegan diets, with numerous plant-based options available. The ability to customize spice levels allows diners to tailor their meals to individual preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience. Ultimately, Thai food is beloved for its comforting and flavorful nature, providing a satisfying and wholesome dining experience.
Spotlight on Englewood’s Thai Restaurants
The heart of this article is to guide you through the best culinary spots in Englewood. These restaurants are a must-try for those seeking a taste of Thailand.
Siam Paradise: A Culinary Gem
Located on Palisade Avenue, Siam Paradise offers a traditional Thai experience in a warm and inviting setting. The restaurant’s décor features elegant Thai artwork, creating an atmosphere that’s both sophisticated and comfortable. Known for its friendly service and consistently high-quality food, Siam Paradise is a local favorite.
Among their most popular dishes is the Pad See Ew, wide rice noodles stir-fried with Chinese broccoli, egg, and your choice of protein. The noodles are perfectly cooked, with a slightly chewy texture, and the sauce is a harmonious blend of sweet and savory. Another must-try is the Green Curry, a fragrant and creamy coconut milk-based curry simmered with bamboo shoots, bell peppers, basil, and your choice of meat or tofu. The curry paste is made in-house, ensuring a depth of flavor that’s unmatched. Prices for entrees range from fifteen to twenty-five dollars.
Siam Paradise also boasts a selection of unique appetizers, such as the Crispy Spring Rolls filled with glass noodles, vegetables, and served with a sweet chili dipping sauce, perfect for sharing. A customer review on Yelp raves, “Siam Paradise is my go-to for Thai in Englewood. The food is always fresh and delicious, and the service is impeccable.” They offer lunch specials during the week and are open for dinner seven days a week.
Thai Emerald: Authentic Flavors and Modern Flair
Thai Emerald, situated on Dean Street, is a more contemporary take on Thai cuisine. The restaurant features a sleek and modern interior, with vibrant colors and stylish décor. While the atmosphere is modern, the flavors remain rooted in traditional Thai cooking.
Their signature dish is the Drunken Noodles, also known as Pad Kee Mao. These wide rice noodles are stir-fried with chili peppers, basil, tomatoes, onions, and your choice of protein, creating a fiery and flavorful dish that’s not for the faint of heart. The heat is balanced by the sweetness of the tomatoes and the aromatic basil. Another highlight is the Massaman Curry, a rich and creamy coconut milk-based curry with potatoes, onions, peanuts, and your choice of meat. The Massaman Curry is mild and fragrant, with hints of cinnamon and cardamom. Prices for main courses typically range from sixteen to twenty-eight dollars.
Thai Emerald is also known for its creative cocktails, featuring Thai-inspired ingredients like lemongrass, ginger, and coconut. They have outdoor seating during the warmer months and offer delivery and takeout options. According to their Google reviews, “Thai Emerald is a fantastic place to enjoy authentic Thai cuisine with a modern twist. The food is always fresh and flavorful, and the cocktails are inventive and delicious.”
Bangkok Kitchen: A Taste of Home
Bangkok Kitchen, located on Grand Avenue, provides a more casual and family-friendly dining experience. The restaurant is known for its generous portions and affordable prices, making it a popular choice for locals.
Their standout dish is the Pad Thai, a classic Thai noodle dish stir-fried with rice noodles, egg, bean sprouts, peanuts, and your choice of protein. The Pad Thai is perfectly balanced, with a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. Another popular choice is the Tom Yum Soup, a hot and sour soup with lemongrass, galangal, chilies, mushrooms, and your choice of protein. The Tom Yum Soup is intensely flavorful, with a refreshing and invigorating broth. Entrees are priced between fourteen to twenty-four dollars.
Bangkok Kitchen also offers a variety of Thai desserts, including Mango Sticky Rice, a sweet and creamy dessert made with sticky rice, fresh mango, and coconut milk. A Yelp reviewer writes, “Bangkok Kitchen is a great place to grab a quick and affordable Thai meal. The portions are generous, and the food is always tasty.” They offer delivery and takeout services and are open for lunch and dinner.
Quick Mentions
While the three restaurants above are highly recommended, a few other Thai eateries in Englewood deserve a mention. Thai Garden offers a wide selection of dishes, and they are located on Tenafly Road.
Must-Try Thai Dishes in Englewood
While each restaurant has its unique specialties, some Thai dishes are absolute must-tries. You will find these dishes in almost every Thai Restaurant and each with its own unique touch.
Pad Thai
The quintessential Thai noodle dish, Pad Thai is a must-try for any Thai food enthusiast. It consists of stir-fried rice noodles, egg, bean sprouts, peanuts, and your choice of protein, tossed in a sweet, sour, and savory sauce. Look for restaurants that use fresh ingredients and balance the flavors perfectly. Siam Paradise and Bangkok Kitchen both offer excellent versions of Pad Thai.
Green Curry
A fragrant and creamy coconut milk-based curry, Green Curry is a staple of Thai cuisine. It’s simmered with bamboo shoots, bell peppers, basil, and your choice of meat or tofu. The curry paste is typically made with green chilies, giving it a moderate level of spice. Thai Emerald and Siam Paradise are known for their flavorful Green Curry.
Tom Yum Soup
This hot and sour soup is a symphony of flavors, featuring lemongrass, galangal, chilies, mushrooms, and your choice of protein. The broth is intensely flavorful, with a refreshing and invigorating quality. Bangkok Kitchen makes a particularly noteworthy Tom Yum Soup.
Mango Sticky Rice
No Thai meal is complete without indulging in Mango Sticky Rice, a classic Thai dessert. It consists of sweet and creamy sticky rice, fresh ripe mango, and a drizzle of coconut milk. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying dessert.
Other noteworthy dishes
For those looking to explore beyond the classics, consider trying Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao), Massaman Curry, or Pad See Ew.
Tips for Enjoying Thai Food in Englewood
To maximize your Thai food experience in Englewood, consider the following tips:
Spice Levels
Be sure to communicate your spice preference to the restaurant when ordering. Thai restaurants typically offer varying levels of spice, from mild to extra hot.
Making Reservations
Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and holidays, as popular Thai restaurants can get crowded.
Ordering for a Group
Thai food is ideal for sharing, so consider ordering a variety of dishes and sampling them with your group.
Exploring the Menu
Don’t be afraid to venture beyond the familiar dishes and try something new. The menu may contain many hidden gems that you will love.
Supporting Local Businesses
By dining at local Thai restaurants, you are supporting small businesses and contributing to the vibrant food scene in Englewood.
Conclusion
Englewood, New Jersey, is a hidden gem for Thai food lovers. With a diverse array of restaurants offering authentic and innovative Thai cuisine, Englewood provides a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds. From the traditional flavors of Siam Paradise to the modern flair of Thai Emerald and the family-friendly atmosphere of Bangkok Kitchen, Englewood has something to offer everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Head to Englewood and embark on your Thai food adventure! Let us know your favorite dishes in the comments below. Enjoy the best Thai food that Englewood has to offer!
